Mr Flanagan has said there is ‘no hiding place’ for Irish criminals abroad

Minister Flanagan made the comments just three days after John Hutch, who has no involvement in crime, claimed there was an attempt to kill him at an apartment in Turkey.

He was speaking before addressing delegates at the 40th Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors conference in Co Carlow.

The Justice Minister said: “My message to Irish criminals overseas is the same as my message to Irish criminals within the jurisdiction – there is no hiding place.

“I want to acknowledge the importance of our international relations, members of An Garda Siochana working with Interpol, working with our EU colleagues, with the importance of the European Arrest Warrant.

“I will ensure that every effort is made in terms of criminal activity overseas, that these people will be brought to justice in the same way and with the same speed as if they were within our own jurisdiction.”

During the conference, the issue of Brexit was also raised.

AGSI President Antoinette Cunningham urged the Government to address the “issue and effect” of Brexit immediately.

Sgt Cunningham said: “There will be significant policing difference in the policing of a hard and soft border and how our members will be affected by this.

“What are the implications also for the exchange of information, security issues, legislation and most importantly the resources and staffing levels needed?